January 4, 2017 (BOSTON, MA) — CLF put out the following statement today in response to the passage late last night of an electric vehicle bill (S.2505, “An Act promoting zero emission vehicle adoption”) during an informal legislative session. Among other things, the bill prohibits charging station operators from charging subscription fees to electric vehicle drivers, permits communities to establish “EV-only” parking spaces, and allows for an update of the state building code to support installation of charging stations at homes and businesses.

“Massachusetts consumers want electric cars, but convenient access to charging stations is a barrier to getting more electric vehicles on the road. This bill helps communities promote the charging infrastructure necessary to support increased electric car sales in the state,” said Megan Herzog, Staff Attorney, Conservation Law Foundation. “Transportation is the single largest contributor to Massachusetts’ greenhouse gas emissions. More electric cars means better air quality, less climate emissions, and cost savings for families — that’s good for our economy, for our climate, and for our health.”

A full copy of the bill will be available here. CLF is available for interviews.